Hammamet is a bustling resort in the North coastline of Tunisia. It offers great beaches, excellent shopping opportunities and plenty of things to do for holidaymakers.
Read more in our guide why Hammamet is a good contender for your trip to the Tunisian seaside next summer.
Overview
Hammamet, a coastal town in Tunisia, is known for its tranquil beaches and rich history. Located along the Cap Bon Peninsula, it’s a place where traditional culture blends with modern comforts.
Visitors can enjoy a mix of activities, from lounging on the sandy shores to exploring the historic sites that dot the town. Whether you are looking to relax or dive into Tunisia’s cultural heritage, Hammamet offers a laid-back yet engaging atmosphere.
Travel to and Around Hammamet
Getting to Hammamet is straightforward, with several options depending on your preferences. The nearest airport is Tunis-Carthage International Airport, approximately 70 kilometres away. Alternetively, Enfidha-Hammamet Airport is another great place to land with transfers to Hammemt being less than 1 hour.
We frew to Enfidha-Hammamet Airport. From there, you can hire a taxi or arrange a transfer to the town. As we booked a package holiday with TUI, the transfer from the airport to the hotel was included.
If you are looking for suitable flight options, make sure to check out this article with top tips on how to find cheap flights. On this occasion we chose to fly with TUI as part of a package holiday as we think this is the most economical way if you are spending your time in an all-inclusive hotel.
Once in Hammamet, moving around is relatively easy. Taxis are widely available and reasonably priced, but make sure you agree on the fare before setting off. Taxis also come with a meter, so make sure the meter is on and is running.
What we found is that taxi drivers simply demand at times a fixed rate, simply decline and go with another driver that will charge you by the meter.
For a more local experience, you might consider renting a bicycle or simply exploring on foot, especially when visiting the medina or nearby beaches.
Where to Stay in Hammamet?
Accommodation in Hammamet ranges from budget-friendly options to more luxurious resorts. For those of you looking for something traditional, there are charming guesthouses within the medina, where you can experience Tunisian hospitality first hand.
If modern amenities are more your style, the beachfront hotels along Hammamet’s coast offer stunning views and easy access to the sea.
If you prefer to stay in a hotel, we would recommend booking your accommodation through an aggregator such as Booking.com or Agoda to get the best rates. Use the widget below to find the best accommodation in Hammamet for your specific dates.
On this occasion we chose to stay at the recently renovated 4-star hotel TUI Blue Palm Beach Hammamet.
The hotel exceeded our expectations with the excellent food and outstanding service we received. The sandy beach, comfortable room equipped with all you need and the beautiful hotel grounds made our stay pleasant and enjoyable.
Read More: Hotel TUI BLUE Palm Beach Hammamet Review
Best Time to Visit Hammamet
The best time to visit Hammamet largely depends on what you are looking to do. The summer months, from June to August, are ideal for beach activities, with warm temperatures and plenty of sunshine.
However, this is also the busiest time, so you might find the beaches and tourist spots a bit crowded. Having said this, we went in the first half of July and were surprised of the lack of tourists at this time.
If you prefer a quieter experience, spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) offer milder weather and fewer tourists, making it a great time for exploring the town and its surroundings.
Winter is the off-season, and while the temperatures are cooler, it’s still possible to enjoy a peaceful getaway, especially if you are interested in cultural or historical experiences.
Good To Know Before Your Trip
In terms of paying for your attractions, shopping or anything else, we would encourage you to pay by card where possible. We used our 0% fee cards throughout this trip to make sure we always got the better rates. Read more here about managing your finances when travelling.
Tunisian Dinars are hard to find in foreign countries so prepare to come without any to Tunisia. Whilst in Tunisia, we suggest you bring your currency and exchange in small quantities as needed. This is because it’s a criminal offence to leave the country with Dinars.
Another thing to keep in mind is that currency exchanged at a bank or exchange bureau will come with a receipt. In case you have some dinars left over you will be able to exchange back the dinars to your currency of choice at the airport provided you have that receipt, so keep it close.
We also found it very expensive to withdraw cash from ATMs as they all have charges starting from 8 TND per transaction (in 2024). Hence we suggest you bring cash with you instead of withdrawing.
You might find that some places don’t offer you a menu, this means they will charge you more than the locals. If you insist on staying, double check with the waiter how much each item will be before ordering. You can always leave if you disagree.
Things to do in Hammamet
Hammamet itself is a small coastal town which offers a few things to do for holidaymakers. There might be some confusion when reading of others’ experiences online as Hammamet is split into:
- Hammamet
- Hammamet South (Sud)
- Hammamet Yasmine (New Hammamet)
The original Hammamet is where you typically find the old resort and most locals tend to go there. Here you will also find that many hotels have their own private beaches unlike in the new Hammamet.
Having said this, Yasmine Hammamet is the newer resort, built to accomodate foreign tourists. Everything there has been built in the 2000s including the “Medina” which is simply a themed amusement park with plenty of shops.
If beachfront hotels aren’t your thing, then perhaps choosing the newer Hammamet would be a good choice for you. We chose the old Hammamet as we enjoy hotels with beachfront location.
1. Go Shopping in the Old Medina
Exploring the old medina is a must when visiting Hammamet. The narrow, winding streets are lined with shops selling everything from traditional crafts to modern souvenirs.
You can pick up a beautifully woven carpet, some fragrant spices, or even a piece of jewellery as a memento of your trip. Bargaining is part of the experience, so don’t be shy to haggle for a better price.
We found that the Old Medina was empty and void of tourists. As a result, merchants felt a bit desperate to say the least. I guess, this always helps if you want to push the prices down and use it as a haggling power.
2. Explore the Beautiful Doors of Hammamet
The doors of Hammamet are renowned for their vibrant colors and intricate designs, symbolising the town’s rich cultural heritage. They are so pretty that we absolutely had to take a few photos!
Typically painted in bold shades of blue, yellow, and green, these doors often feature traditional motifs such as floral patterns, geometric shapes, and crescent moons, reflecting Islamic art influences.
Wandering through the medina and seeing the beautiful doors reminded us of our trip to Valletta and Mdina in Malta.
3. See the Views from the Kasbah Fort
The Kasbah Fort is another highlight in Hammamet. Situated at the edge of the medina, the fort offers panoramic views of the town and the Mediterranean Sea.
As you stroll through the historic structure, it’s easy to imagine the days when it served as a defence against invaders. The fort is well-preserved, and the views alone make the visit worthwhile.
All in all, the visit shouldn’t take you more than 30 minutes however, on the ramparts of the walls you will find a very nice and picturesque coffee shop. Whilst we didn’t sit down, we felt the location was great for anyone looking to enjoy a refreshing glass of orange juice.
4. Take a Stroll on the Hammamet Promenade
Taking a stroll on the promenade in Hammamet, is a delightful experience. We did that during the day and the evening.
The area is lively, especially in the evening, making it a popular spot for both locals and tourists to unwind and socialise. You will also see local vendors selling mint tea, make sure to try one of these too.
The palm-lined walkway runs along the Mediterranean coast, offering stunning sea views and a refreshing breeze. Don’t expect a wide and long promenade such as the Promenade des Anglais in Nice though.
5. Take a dip at Hammamet Beach
No trip to Hammamet would be complete without spending some time on its beaches. The soft sand and clear waters are perfect for a relaxing day by the sea.
You can take a dip in the water, lounge under the sun, or even try some water sports if you’re feeling adventurous. The beachfront is lined with cafes and restaurants, so it’s easy to grab a bite or a drink without straying too far from the shore.
We found however, the promenade by the beach to be a bit untidy and there we say, dirty. It’s not incredibly bad but perhaps not something one wishes to see on their holiday.
6. Go on a Day Trip
We found that during our time we also wanted to explore a bit of what Tunisia has to offer and so we chose to explore the country’s rich heritage. It’s a great way to combine relaxation but also getting a sense of adventure.
6.1 A Day Trip to Kairouan and El Jem
We really enjoyed our time on this trip and felt that we discovered Tunisia. We learned much about Tunisian history and the legacy the many civilisations left that lived here.
Read more why Kairouan is considered the fourth holiest city in Islam and see the world’s best persevered Roman Amphitheatre in El Jem.
6.2 A day trip to Carthage, Sidi Bou Said & Tunis
The many wonderful things we managed to see such as the Carthage site, the capital city of Tunis and the wonderful Sidi Bou Said simply enriched our souls and made us feel accomplished.
In this article we uncover Tunisia’s rich Punic and Roman history and treat ourselves to a coffee at the so called Tunisian Santorini.
6.3 Other Day Trip Recommendations
Food and Drinks in Hammamet
1. Have a drink at Café Sidi Bou Hdid
Café Sidi Bou Hdid is a great spot to unwind after a day of sightseeing. Located near the medina, the café offers stunning views of the sea, making it an ideal place for a relaxed drink.
The atmosphere is laid-back, and it’s a popular spot for both locals and tourists. Whether you’re in the mood for a coffee or something a bit stronger, this café is a lovely place to sit back and watch the world go by with the sunset in the front.
2. Enjoy a Shisha at Cafe Sidi El Kilani
For those of us who enjoy shisha, Cafe Sidi El Kilani is the place to be. The café has a traditional feel, with comfortable seating and a wide selection of flavours to choose from.
This cafe is where the locals go and was recommended to us by a local.
It’s a great spot to relax in the evening, especially if you are looking to experience a bit of local culture. Pair it with a mint tea, and you’ve got the perfect way to wind down after a day of exploring.
3. Try a Croissant at Mister Ben
If you are in the mood for something sweet, Mister Ben is the place to go. This local bakery is known for its delicious croissants and pastries. It’s a great spot for a quick breakfast or a mid-morning snack.
The croissants are fresh and flaky, and there’s a variety of fillings to choose from and believe us when we say you can feel the butter!
Final Thoughts
Hammamet is a destination that offers something for everyone, from history buffs to beach lovers. Its blend of old-world charm and modern amenities makes it an appealing choice for a relaxing getaway.
We found the resort as a whole to be a bit untidy and perhaps dirty in some places but overall we really enjoyed our time there and found it to be a good destination for a seaside destination.
Ready to book? Below are some recommendations to get your trip started:
- Flights – we use flight aggregators such as Skyscanner and Google flights to find the best options. You can find more information about finding cheap flights here.
- Accommodation – would recommend booking your accommodation through an aggregator such as Booking.com or Agoda to get the best rates. We also use TripAdvisor to read reviews.
- Transport – consider Rentalcars.com for car renting or if you rely on public transport, you can use Omio for trains, coaches, ferries, airport transfers and even flights.
- Activities – a great option is GetYourGuide, Klook or Viator for tours, excursions, experiences and tickets to many tourist attractions.
- Travel money – we have Starling Bank accounts (UK residents only) with 0% fees on FX and a good Mastercard exchange rate. Revolut is another good option.
- Internet abroad – with Airalo or Nomad you can access a wide range of eSIMs (digital SIM cards) available for different countries and regions.
- Luggage storage – if you need to store your bags whilst exploring the destination, you can use Radical Storage to find your closest luggage storage and enjoy your journey until the very end.
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